Waikato dairy effluent breaches lead to $108,000 in fines
Two farmers and two farming companies were recently convicted and fined a total of $108,000 for environmental offending.
With no information on the trucks involved in the roadside dumping incidents last Thursday- Friday, Waikato Regional Council is unable to take further action on this occasion.
However, the incidents, in Matamata- Piako district, have sparked a call from the council for stock transport companies and farmers to do better to prevent effluent entering waterways and help keep the region’s roads clear of discharge and safe for users.
Chair of the council’s Environmental Performance Committee, Clyde Graf, says it is very disappointing behaviour, given the effort and resources that have gone into installing dump stations around the region.
“It’s a shame a couple of cowboys are willing to smear the good reputation the industry has. Let’s hope it’s the last time we hear of it,” says Graf.
Where the council has details of the trucks involved in stock effluent dumping, its compliance team will follow up, potentially with enforcement action.
There are six effluent disposal sites around the region that truck drivers are encouraged to incorporate into their travel plans. Farmers are also urged to stand stock off green feed before they’re transported.
Council Advice
The regional council recommends that farmers:
- confirm stock pick up times in advance of transport
- move stock close to the loading ramp the day before, when possible
- stand stock off green feed for a minimum of four hours before transport (with water)
- use dry feed before transport because it results in less effluent.
